The Light of the Eagle II Ceremony

SETTING:

(The same as for "The Light of the Eagle"
presentation ceremony preceding this section. The Eagle candidate
has been escorted to the front of the room, and the lights are
dimmed.)

CEREMONY

MC: Presentation of the Eagle Award is an important and
serious matter. For the Eagle Candidate before us tonight, the
award is a climax of his Scouting efforts for many years . Let
me point out that the attainment of this award is made possible
through the assistance of those with the candidate tonight. His
Scoutmaster, troop leaders, his fellow Scouts, parents, family,
friends, and members of our local community. This is an occasion
for pride and joy as well as a time for reflection. The Eagle is
the highest rank that Scouting offers. It is earned through the
advancement program. Scout [ Scout's name] has distinguished
himself through his continued, active service in Scouting. He is
trained and practiced in his leadership abilities, and he is
marked by the character gained through an understanding of his
citizenship and religious beliefs. It is important that we
understand the meaning of the Eagle badge.

(VOICE OF THE EAGLE)

1. (An older Eagle) The appeal of the majestic eagle has been
felt by individuals from prehistoric times to the present day. To
the Egyptians, the eagle was the messenger to the gods and the
sun, a symbol of eternal life. To the Romans, he was the carrier
of Jupiter's thunderbolts and a sign of power. To the America
Indians, he stood as the incentive to valor and the pledge of
victory. For us today, the eagle is a living symbol of courageous
and freedom-aspiring Americans. When the badge of rank for Eagle
Scouts was designed in 1912, a small silver eagle was suspended
from a tricolor ribbon of red, white, and blue. It remained so
today. (Light the Eagle on the light box.)

2. The foremost responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with
honor. To an Eagle Scout, honor is the foundation of character.
He knows that "A Scout is Trustworthy" is the first
point of the Scout Law for a good reason. An Eagle Scout lives
honorably, not only because of the infinite importance of doing
so to himself, but because of the vital significance of the
example he sets for other Scouts. Living honorably reflects
credit upon his home, his troop, his church, and his community.
(Light the white portion of the ribbon on the light box.) May the
white of the Eagle badge remind you always to live with honor.

3. The second responsibility of the Eagle Scout is loyalty. A
SCOUT is true to his family, leaders, friends, school and nation.
His loyalty to his troop and brother Scouts makes him pitch in
and carry his share of the load. All of these, help build the
loyalty which means devotion to community, to country, to one's
ideals, and to God. (Light the blue portion of the ribbon on the
light box.) May the blue of the Eagle badge always inspire your
loyalty.

4. The third responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to be
courageous. Courage is a quality by which men measure in
themselves and others. To a Scout, bravery means not only the
courage to face physical danger, but the determination to stand
up for his rights. Trusting in God with faith in his fellow
citizen, he looks forward to each day, seeking his share of the
world's work. (Light the red portion of the ribbon on the light
box.) May the red of the Eagle badge always remind you of
courage.

5. The fourth responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to be cheerful.
To remind the Eagle Scout to always wear a smile, the red, white,
and blue ribbon is attached to the scroll of the Second Class
Scout Award , which has its ends turned up in a smile. (Light the
scroll on the light box.)

6. The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The
Eagle extends a helping hand to those who still toil up
Scouting's trail, just as others helped him in his climb to
Eagle. The performance of the daily Good Turn takes on a new
meaning, when he enters an adult life of continuing service to
others. The Eagle stands as the protector of the weak and
helpless. He aids and comforts the unfortunate and the oppressed.
He upholds the rights of others while defending his own. He is
always prepared to put forth his best.

MC: You are deserving of much credit in having achieved
Scouting's highest rank. Wear your award with humility, ever
mindful that the Eagle Scout is looked up to as an example. May
the Scout Oath and the Scout Law be your guide for tomorrow and
onward.

(At this point parents of the Eagle Scout are escorted to the
candidate's side, and the normal sequence of events would
follow.)